Factors Influencing the Implementation of Free Primary Education Strategy Within Kasarani District in Nairobi

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine factors influencing the implementation of free primary education strategy within Kasarani district in Nairobi. The research objectives were to examine the factors that influence governance in free primary education strategy within Kasarani district in Nairobi and to examine the effect of lack of capacity building to key stakeholders in the implementation of free primary education strategy within Kasarani district in Nairobi. Interview guide was used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed and interpreted in line with the objectives of the study. Fifty respondents were interviewed representing 91% of the response rate i.e. three education officers twenty parents and twenty seven teachers from different schools in the district. The average age of the respondents was thirty six years while experience was averaged at thirteen years. All education officers are holders of master’s degree while 58% of the teachers are degree and diploma holders and 42% hold primary one (P1) certificate and all parent respondents were literate. The following recommendations were made. First, education officers, managers and parents have been acting with insufficient knowledge in the implementation of FPE strategy leading to confusion in this noble cause. Introducing semi-annual training on the implementation of FPE and also widening its scope to address emerging issues would contribute to speed achievement of FPE in a more efficient and effective manner. vi Implementation of FPE strategy is challenged by emerging issues in the education sector. For instance, non-formal and private schools have since become beneficiaries of FPE funds. These institutions are strategic partners to the government in the decongestion of public schools. Similarly, this research has recorded many cases of teachers refusing transfers to schools they dislike. Coming up with policies to enforce such transfers would mitigate cases of failure to report where designated. An arrangement to support private and non-formal schools would help to streamline governance in the implementation of FPE strategy. Crime is detrimental in all spheres of development. Many schools in Kasarani district are inside or adjacent to slums. Crime in the area has led to limitation of services like library services in late hours among others. This research recommends that a programme on safer cities programme could be rolled out in Kasarani district to allay effects of insecurity. Communication was identified as a challenge in the implementation of FPE strategy. Traditional methods of communication are used and impede proper implementation of the FPE strategy. Effective communication coupled with a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system is fundamental for a speedy achievement of FPE in Kasarani district.